ADT:Munson seizes halfway lead at Aboitiz Invitational

Manila, August 28: Brett Munson kept up his chase for a second Asian Development Tour (ADT) victory when he charged into the halfway lead at the US$100,000 Aboitiz Invitational with a six-under-par 66 on Thursday.The American compiled a two-day total of 10-under-par 134 for a one-shot lead over Filipino duo Antonio Lascuna (69) and joint overnight leader Jhonnel Ababa (70) at the Riviera Golf and Country Club’s Couples Course.Local star Angelo Que, who held a share of the opening round lead, registered a 71 to sit in fourth place with Thailand’s Poosit Supupramai and Pijit Petkasem on matching 136s in the event which is the ADT’s third stop in the Philippines this season.ADT debutant Munson, who won his maiden ADT title in March, got off to a superb start when he opened with four straight birdies before sinking an eagle on the 16th hole to turn in 30.Despite posting three birdies against as many bogeys on his way home, Munson is still in prime position to win again on the burgeoning Tour which was launched as a gateway to the premier Asian Tour in 2010.“I’m very happy to be in the lead. I had a great start to the round with four consecutive birdies and the eagle helped to cap off a superb front nine. I’m feeling good about my game right now so hopefully I can continue to do well,” said the 28-year-old Munson.Munson, who turned professional in 2010, turned his lackluster career around after coming to play in Asia early this year where he has one win and four other top-five results.“The season has treated me well so far. I am hoping for a second victory as it will definitely boost my ranking on the Order of Merit. My aim is to finish inside top five at the end of the season. I struggled in my first few years as a professional. I’ve worked really hard to improve my game and I’m glad it seems to be paying off now,” added Munson.Filipino veteran Lascuna rode on a hot putter for a blemish-free round highlighted by three birdies.“I managed to putt very well today. My driving was good too. I guess my course knowledge helps too. I am familiar with this course because I’ve played a couple of times here before but not for tournaments,” smiled the 43-year-old.Lascuna, who plays mainly on the Asian Tour, is currently ranked eighth on the region’s premier Tour’s Order of Merit courtesy of a tied-second finish at the Philippine Open, which is the oldest National Open in Asia.The halfway cut was set at two-over-par with a total of 59 players progressing into the final two rounds.The Aboitiz Invitational, which is the 14th leg on the ADT schedule this season, had received more than 50% increase in prize fund from US$65,000 which was offered in the last three editions since its inception in 2011.This season, the burgeoning ADT will reward the top five players on the final Order of Merit with playing rights for the 2015 Asian Tour season. Previously, only the top-three players were offered Asian Tour cards.The ADT was launched with five tournaments in 2010 before growing to eight in 2011, 13 in 2012, 16 in 2013 and a record 20 tournaments in the 2014 season.For more information on the ADT, please visit www.asiandevelopmenttour.com.Leading second round scores:134 – Brett MUNSON (USA) 68-66135 – Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 66-69, Jhonnel ABABA (PHI) 65-70136 – Angelo QUE (PHI) 65-71, Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 67-69, Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 67-69138 – Mars PUCAY (PHI) 69-69, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 74-64139 – Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 67-72, Zaw MOE (MYN) 70-69, James BYRNE (SCO) 75-64, Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 68-71140 – YE Jian-feng (CHN) 70-70, Arnold VILLACENCIO (PHI) 71-69Ends.About Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) is the publicly listed holding and investment company of the Aboitiz Group with major investments in power, banking, food, and land development. AEV is recognized as one of the best-managed companies in the Philippines and in the region, and is acknowledged for its good corporate governance.About Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and the Philippine Golf TourPilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., a sports management and promotions company, is the official organizer of the Philippine Golf Tour. Established in 2009, PGTI seeks to advance the cause of professional golf in the Philippines. PGTI supports the Filipino golfer through exposure in local, regional and international golf tournaments. PGTI organizes tournaments held in the country’s top golf courses, enabling golfers to hone their skills, compete with fellow professionals, and earn from the sport. To date, the PGT is the largest local golfing circuit in Southeast Asia.About the Asian Development TourThe Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Web.com Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading five players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. All ADT events receive Official World Golf Ranking points.

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